Cosmograph Daytona 2016

An evolution that is a blend of high technology and sleek aesthetics, and pays tribute to the heritage of this legendary chronograph

The Watch Quote™ - March 16th, 2016

Rolex is introducing a new version of its Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 904L steel, with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel, developed and patented by Rolex, in black ceramic. This latest evolution is a blend of high technology and sleek aesthetics, and pays tribute to the heritage of this legendary chronograph. The black bezel is reminiscent of the 1965 model that was fitted with a black Plexiglas bezel insert. The new Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015, which ensures singular performance on the wrist.

Cerachrom bezel and measuring speed

Created by Rolex in 1963, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is a watch born to race. It has established an extraordinary track record in the world of motor sport thanks to its reliability and performance. Known simply as the “Daytona”, the watch has risen to the rank of an icon as one of the best known chronographs in the world. A key part of the model’s identity is the bezel engraved with a tachymetric scale for measuring average speeds of up to 400 miles or kilometres per hour. The new monobloc Cerachrom bezel in high-tech ceramic offers a number of advantages: it is corrosion resistant, virtually scratch- proof and the colour is unaffected by UV rays. This extremely durable bezel also offers an exceptionally legible tachymetric scale, thanks to the deposition of a thin layer of platinum in the numerals and gradu- ations via a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process. The monobloc Cerachrom bezel is made in a single piece and holds the crystal firmly in place on the middle case, ensuring waterproofness.

The Oyster case, symbol of waterproofness

The Cosmograph Daytona’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness, proportion and elegance. Its characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of 904L steel. The fluted case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown – fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system – as well as the chronograph pushers screw down securely against the case. Its crown guard is an integral part of the middle case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Cosmograph Daytona’s high-precision movement.

Chronograph calibre 4130

The Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufac- tured by Rolex. Its architecture, a composite of Rolex technology, was completely re-engineered: the number of components for the chronograph function was reduced significantly, thereby enhancing its reliability. The robust chronograph is engaged by a mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start. The oscillator, the true heart of the watch, has a blue Parachrom hairspring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the Parachrom hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. Calibre 4130 is equipped with a self-winding module featuring a Perpetual rotor and boasts a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

Solid-link bracelet with safety clasp

The new Cosmograph Daytona is available on a solid-link Oyster bracelet in 904L steel, with an Oysterlock safety clasp that prevents accidental opening. It features the ingenious Rolex-patented Easylink rapid extension system that allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.

Superlative Chronometer certification

The Cosmograph Daytona is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation testifies that the watch has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, which exceed watchmaking norms and standards. The certification applies to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing its superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer after casing is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day, or more than twice that required of an official chronometer. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

Superlative Chronometer

The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer after casing is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day.

Centre hour and minute hands Small seconds hand at 6 o’clock Chronograph (centre hand) accurate to within 1/8 of a second 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Centre hour and minute hands Small seconds hand at 6 o’clock Chronograph (centre hand) accurate to within 1/8 of a second 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock Stop-seconds for precise time setting